HTC is making a lot of noise about the dedicated depth sensor mounted above the camera on its new One M8. According to HTC, the new Duo Camera “improves noise reduction and elevates overall photo quality to levels previously unseen,” and it also makes possible a range of artistic effects, like shallow depth-of-field simulation that allows for faux bokeh and other smart filters. Photo focus can also be changed after the shots are taken, as we demonstrated in our HTC One M7 vs HTC One M8 comparison.

But critics say similar effects can be achieved with far less specialized hardware. Samsung’s Galaxy S 5 launches next month with a camera capable of post-shot refocus, and Nokia’s Lumia line has long offered a Refocus app for just that purpose. All without the second eyeball demanded by the M8’s approach.

Today, we’ll take a quick look at how the One M8’s Duo Camera stacks up against Nokia’s Refocus offering. Check it out in the embedded video below, and then be sure to visit our full HTC One M8 review for our in-depth impressions on one of 2014’s most significant smartphones.